Official: Josh Barfield trade to Indians

[consigliere]

Apparently, a deal is in place for Barfield. Just waiting for Padres approval.

From DWags....

I am hearing that Kouz and Brown for Barfield is very close to going down. My understanding is the deal is in place, the Tribe signed off and are waiting on final approval from San Diego.

[consigliere]

Dwags is money. Deadnuts on.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/pa ... trade.html

The Padres have ignited the hot-stove season Wednesday, trading second baseman Josh Barfield to the Indians for highly regarded Triple-A third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff and Triple-A pitcher Andrew Brown.

[swerb]

Whoa! I like this deal ALOT, despite the fact that it means Honny stays at SS, which I inherently disagree with.

Where's he gonna hit?

[consigliere]

I think Barfield may eventually hit 2nd in the order (good speed, RHed, good contact)....but his poor OBP probably puts him 8th/9th at least to start 2007. He needs to work on getting deeper in counts and drawing more walks. But, the guy does have some potential pop....I love this trade.

I hate losing Kouz....but there was a logjam there at 3B/1B and to me risking losing some depth at 3B/1B is worth it to potentially fill the 2B position for atLEAST the next 5 years. Andy Brown? Feh. Could care less. He was gone anyway.

[furls]

I liked Kouz a lot, but where the hell were we going to put him?

I really like Barfield. The speed he brings is NEEDED in this line up and I couldnt be more thrilled about getting something for nothing (kouz is not, "nothing" but he wasnt going to be playing next year).

[Guest]

I love it also

[dpdad]

Great move by the Tribe. This also frees up more cash to get more quality and depth in the bullpen.

[swerb]

In addition to adding financial flexibility, the Indians can now also move Inglett or Luna in order to help secure bullpen help.

I'd like to see em keep Inglett and move Luna. That kid really grew on me last year.

[ACrank]

Can Inglett play short?

[British_Pharaoh]

Can Inglett play short?

yes

and 3rd and LF

[consigliere]

While Inglett can *play* SS and 3B.....he is a very poor defender at those positions right now. That's why he is in the AFL, to work on his game at SS and at least try and become an average defender on the left-side of the infield.

[ACrank]

Thank you , Tom Hagen, for correctly answering my question (and my young friend from England missed my point, as usual).

I have a feeling that Inglett might not make the team next season simply because the Indians don't think he can play short.

[consigliere]

I think you are right on Inglett....he'll probably start in Buffalo. I think they'll stick with Luna on the bench and sign a vet 2B/SS (like they did with Eduardo Perez at 1B) to push Peralta.